Every Easter, chaos reigns in my household. Between hiding eggs, preparing feast-worthy meals, and dealing with sugar-high children, I needed a saving grace – something that could be whipped up quickly yet still spark that Easter magic. That’s when these Easter rice krispie treats were born, out of necessity and a bit of desperation during one particularly hectic holiday weekend.
My daughter Emma had invited half her class over for an impromptu Easter egg hunt (without telling me, of course). With 30 minutes until tiny humans descended upon our home, I raided the pantry and discovered the holy trinity: Rice Krispies, marshmallows, and leftover Easter candy. The resulting treats were such a hit that the kids forgot all about hunting for eggs!
Now these colorful, festive Easter snacks for kids have become our family tradition. Something about the combination of gooey marshmallow, crunchy cereal, and Easter candy creates pure joy on a plate. Even my mother-in-law, who critiques everything I make, requested the recipe – which in my household is the culinary equivalent of winning an Olympic gold medal.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
No-Bake Bliss
These easy Easter treats for kids require zero oven time, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings or when you need to keep the kitchen cool. Simply melt, mix, and set – even the youngest helpers can join in without risk of burns.
Customizable Creativity
Think of these treats as edible Easter canvases! Shape them into eggs, bunnies, or squares and decorate with pastel chocolates, sprinkles, or Peeps. Each family member can personalize their own creation, making these fun Easter treats a memory-making activity.
Make-Ahead Magic
These Easter Rice Crispy Treats can be made up to three days ahead and stored in an airtight container. This time-saving feature allows you to focus on other Easter preparations while still serving a fresh-tasting homemade treat.
Kid-Approved Happiness
I’ve never met a child who didn’t light up at the sight of these colorful treats. The familiar taste of Rice Krispies gets an Easter upgrade that makes them special enough for the holiday while remaining comfortingly familiar to picky eaters.
Budget-Friendly Bounty
When Easter budgets are stretched thin between baskets, egg hunts, and family meals, these treats deliver maximum impact for minimal cost. One batch makes enough to feed a crowd of eager little bunnies without breaking the bank.
Ingredients for the Easter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal – The foundation of our treats, providing that signature crunch.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter – Creates richness and helps bind everything together.
- 10 oz regular marshmallows (about one bag) – The magical ingredient that transforms cereal into treats.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A touch of warmth and depth to balance the sweetness.
- ¼ teaspoon salt – The secret ingredient that makes the flavors pop.
- 1 cup Easter M&Ms – Adds festive color and chocolate goodness.
- ½ cup pastel sprinkles – For that Easter flair.
- Optional: 6 Peeps marshmallow bunnies – For a whimsical Peeps Rice Krispie Treats recipe variation.
Cooking Equipment Needed
- Large non-stick pot or Dutch oven – For melting marshmallows and mixing the treats.
- 9×13 inch baking pan – The perfect size for standard thickness treats.
- Parchment paper – Makes removal and cleanup a breeze.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – For stirring and pressing without sticking.
- Cooking spray – To prevent the gooey mixture from sticking to your tools.
Cooking Instructions for the Easter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Prep Your Workspace
Line your 9×13 pan with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking spray. Measure all ingredients before starting, as this recipe moves quickly once the melting begins.
Melt the Base
In your large pot, melt butter over medium-low heat until completely liquid. Add marshmallows and stir constantly until completely melted and smooth, about 3-4 minutes.
Add Flavor Enhancers
Remove from heat and quickly stir in vanilla extract and salt. These simple additions elevate your treats from good to can’t-stop-eating-them delicious.
Mix In The Crunch
Add Rice Krispies cereal and fold gently until every piece is coated with marshmallow mixture. Work quickly but don’t overmix – this keeps the treats from becoming too dense.
Incorporate Easter Magic
When the mixture has cooled slightly but is still warm, fold in ¾ cup of the M&Ms and half the sprinkles, reserving the rest for topping. If using Peeps, press them decoratively onto the top.
Press and Set
Transfer mixture to prepared pan and gently press down with greased hands or spatula. Don’t compact too firmly or treats will become dense. Sprinkle remaining M&Ms and sprinkles on top.
Cool and Cut
Allow to cool completely at room temperature, about 1 hour. Lift out using parchment edges and cut into squares, eggs, or bunny shapes using cookie cutters for the ultimate Easter sweet treats.
Notes
Colorful Twists
Add a few drops of pastel food coloring to the marshmallow mixture for vibrant Easter-themed treats that match your Easter decor.
Sticky Solution
Lightly wet or spray your hands with cooking spray before pressing mixture into the pan to prevent sticking.
Marshmallow Mathematics
Fresh marshmallows work best – stale ones won’t melt as smoothly and can affect texture.
Chocolate Variations
White chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or chopped Cadbury eggs can substitute for M&Ms for different Easter baking ideas.
Storage Savvy
Store between layers of waxed paper in an airtight container for up to 3 days for lasting freshness.
Macronutrients per serving
(Based on 16 servings per batch)
- Calories: 175
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 19g
Hoppy Helpful Hints
Perfect Press
Use gentle pressure when compacting treats – pressing too hard creates dense, difficult-to-eat blocks instead of tender treats.
Cutting Clarity
For clean cuts, use a plastic knife or metal knife sprayed with cooking spray between cuts.
Creative Configurations
Use Easter-themed cookie cutters for festive shapes that transform these treats into edible Easter decorations.
Dietary Adaptations
For gluten-free Easter desserts for kids, ensure your cereal is certified gluten-free and check candy ingredients.
Party Presentation
Wrap individual treats in clear cellophane bags tied with pastel ribbons for perfect Easter party favors.
Bunny FAQs
Can I make these treats vegan?
Substitute plant-based butter and vegan marshmallows for a delicious vegan version that everyone can enjoy.
How far in advance can I make these?
Prepare up to three days ahead, but they’re at their freshest within 48 hours of making.
My treats turned out too hard. What happened?
Likely overcooked marshmallows or pressed too firmly. Melt marshmallows just until smooth and press gently.
Can these be frozen?
Yes! Wrap well and freeze for up to 6 weeks. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
What pairs well with these treats?
Serve alongside fresh strawberries or bunny-shaped fruit skewers for balance against the sweetness.
